New Zealand seeks treble, France ambushed
The goal is clear, but it doesn't seem that simple. New Zealand, the double champions, will have to face the Italian and American teams to retain the America's Cup, the oldest sporting trophy in the world, which starts its first race on Thursday in Barcelona, Spain.
Emirates’ New Zealanders won the final preliminary regatta in Spanish waters last week, just days before the start of the famous Louis Vuitton Cup. This other competition sponsored by the prestigious luxury brand is set to determine competitor Official New Zealand team, during the real America's Cup from October 12-21.
Italy didn't go far
It starts with preliminary rounds, where all the competitors face each other in a duel twice, before the semi-finals and final that will ultimately determine the New Zealanders’ opponent. The Kiwis will be involved in the early rounds to improve their boat but not in the final stages. Winners in Bermuda in 2017, then home to Auckland in 2021, New Zealand are on course for a stunning hat-trick in Barcelona.
“We expected it to be a tight race and we struggled to manoeuvre it properly and it just didn't work out,” said New Zealand crew chief Peter Burling after their narrow win over Italy last week.
“I think we were a little disappointed with the way we sailed (during the preliminary regatta final, editor's note), but there are a lot of good things to remember for the future,” he added.
“The team to beat”
The Italians of Luna Rossa, who have already reached the final of the America's Cup in Auckland in 2021, will be able to take revenge on Thursday during the first day of the Louis Vuitton Cup, where they still face the New Zealanders. “Well done New Zealand, it was a great race. We have a great boat and a good team, and I think the America's Cup will be very interesting,” declared Italian helmsman Francesco Bruni.
The first edition of the America's Cup was held in 1851, when a schooner from the New York Yacht Club defeated the British from the Royal Yacht Squadron, giving its name to the famous trophy.
The Americans then dominated the competition for more than 100 years, until 1983, before Australia’s historic and surprising success. In 2024, the American Magic Sailors hope to return to the success of their illustrious elders. “The New Zealanders are the team to beat, their boat is very good and I think the Italians are on the same level, but you can see that all the teams are close together,” said Terry Hutchinson, the American helmsman.
France degree below
There are two other teams entering the competition who have reason to be hopeful. The British from Ineos are skippered by Ben Ainslie, the most decorated sailor in history with four Olympic gold medals. The Swiss from Alinghi Red Bull Racing, victors in 2003 and 2007, moved to Barcelona two years ago to prepare themselves as best they could, while working hard on the boat used during the regattas: an AC75 monohull.
The final challenge in the America’s Cup is that the French Orient Express team is significantly behind in experience compared to the other teams, but aims to change the hierarchy that was established during the initial regattas. “We will have to maneuver well and start well,” explained one of the French challengers, 33-year-old Kevin Peponnet.
“We have to work more on the simulator and also on the water, to come back stronger,” he added after the last preparatory regatta in Barcelona, where the French won just one duel… after the American Magic technique.